The Hiking Alta Via Highlights tour is a 7-day self-guided walking holiday that explores the spectacular mountain route from Hochpustertal to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
This fascinating area is so close to the Austrian and Italian border that most towns have names in two languages. If Italian and German aren’t enough, you’ll also discover the third language of Ladin being spoken in Fanes. As you walk through the region you’ll discover culture unlike anywhere else alongside the incredible mountain scenery.
Hike past forests, meadows, and gorgeous mountain lakes all surrounded by the iconic peaks of the Dolomites. You’ll also visit the remains of an ancient settlement and take scenic cable car rides. This weeklong hiking adventure is the perfect way to explore the Dolomites of northern Italy!
Hiking Alta Via Highlights
The Hiking Alta Via Highlights tour is a 7-day self-guided walking holiday that explores the spectacular mountain route from Hochpustertal to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
This fascinating area is so close to the Austrian and Italian border that most towns have names in two languages. If Italian and German aren’t enough, you’ll also discover the third language of Ladin being spoken in Fanes. As you walk through the region you’ll discover culture unlike anywhere else alongside the incredible mountain scenery.
Hike past forests, meadows, and gorgeous mountain lakes all surrounded by the iconic peaks of the Dolomites. You’ll also visit the remains of an ancient settlement and take scenic cable car rides. This weeklong hiking adventure is the perfect way to explore the Dolomites of northern Italy!
Hike in one of the largest protected areas in South Tyrol at the Fanes-Sennes-Prags nature park.
Walkthrough the spectacular peaks and valleys of the Dolomites.
Visit an open-air museum of a historic mountain settlement.
Discover the unique mountain culture by staying in different local hotels along your route.
Trip map for Hiking Alta Via Highlights
Barbara C.
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We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
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Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Arrive anytime in Hochpustertal and check into your hotel. If you’ve driven, there is a free car park nearby.
You’ll begin your hiking tour at Lake Pragser Wildsee, also known as Lago di Braies. From this mountain lake, you’ll explore the beautiful Fanes-Sennes-Prag nature park and then hike to the alpine meadows of Fojedöra.
Finish your day in picturesque San Vigilio.
The cable car Piz de Plaies takes you from San Vigilo to the starting point. The path leads through light woodland and meadows to Piz de Corn. The mountain Peitlerkofel is enthroned on the opposite side. You hike onto the saddle Ritjoch and cross the mountaineering village of La Val. The mighty flanks of the mountain Heiligkreuzkofel are always in view. At the foot of the peaks Neuner and Zehnerspitze you reach the shelter Heiligkreuz. After a short descent you take the cable car to Badia. At the end of the trkking a transfer will take you to San Cassiano.
This circular hike takes you from San Cassiano/St. Kassian up to Piz Sorega and onwards across alpine meadows, where you will find numerous refreshment stops with local specialities. You walk in the direction of Pralongià and finally back to San Cassiano/St. Kassian.
At first, the trail runs comfortably along the valley floor to the Capanna Alpina. In the shadow of the majestic Fanes and Conturines peaks, you hike to the Scottoni refuge and on to the crystal-clear Lagazuoi lake at the foot of the Scottoni peak, in whose waters the bizarre peaks of the Fanes Dolomites are reflected.
Via the Dolomites High Trail you hike to Lagazuoi, which was turned into a veritable fortress with tunnels and trenches by soldiers during the First World War. It is possible to take the cable car directly from the summit to the pass. From the Falzarego Pass you continue by bus to Cortina d‘Ampezzo. Below the Tofanen you hike to Pocol and from there by bus to Cortina.
The last day of hiking starts in the centre of Cortina d‘Ampezzo. Through woodland and meadows, the route is initially relatively to the Rifugio Mietres, from where you can take a last look at Cortina. once more. A fantastic panorama at the highest point will soon make you forget the efforts of the ascent.
Afterwards, it is almost all downhill through the idyllic Val Padeon to the end of the stage in Ospitale. You then continue by public bus to the Alta Pusteria.
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and begin your journey home or onwards to your next destination.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only. The prices below are per person.
2025 Departures
The departures are available every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, from June 16th to July 28th and from August 31st to September 14th, 2025.
- Single room: from $1,450USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,125USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Hochpustertal are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfers are included throughout the tour as outlined. Airport transfers are not included. Cable car and bus tickets are included too, except for these: cable car St. Kassian and Falzarego Pass, bus ticket to Cortina and Toblach/Niederdorf.
Also Included
- Pre-planned hiking route
- Detailed documents, guides and trail maps
- Videobriefing
- Emergency telephone support hotline for the duration of the tour
- Luggage transfer between hotels
Not Included
- Flights to and from Hochpustertal
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist hotel tax, payable each night at hotel
- Gratuities for drivers, servers, or other staff if desired
- Airport transfers
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour in Hochpustertal
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Accommodation for Hiking Alta Via Highlights
This tour is based in hotels and a mountain guesthouse. The accommodations on this trip are 3 and 4-star with comfortable rooms and welcoming local hospitality. You’ll enjoy spending your day exploring the mountains and then arriving at your nights' accommodations to find your luggage waiting for you.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $195 to have a private room in a hotel where possible.
How hard is the Hiking Alta Via Highlights tour?
We rate this tour as a 4/5. You will hike up to 7 hours each day for several days in a row. While the routes don’t require technical skill, you should be comfortable navigating mountainous terrain. Active hikers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Hiking Alta Via Highlights tour?
6 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Hochpustertal to start this tour?
This tour begins and ends in Hochpustertal, also known as Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco. The nearest airports are Innsbruck Airport (INN), Antonio Canova Airport in Treviso (TSF), and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). It can be accessed from all airports by train or by car.
Is the Hiking Alta Via Highlights tour in English?
This tour is self-guided, but maps and route descriptions will be provided in English.
Where does the Hiking Alta Via Highlights tour end?
This tour ends in Hochpustertal, also known as Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco. The nearest airports are Innsbruck Airport (INN), Antonio Canova Airport in Treviso (TSF), and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). You can reach these airports by train or by car.
Is the Hiking Alta Via Highlights tour family-friendly?
Yes, this tour is suitable for families with children ages 16 and older. Children should be comfortable completing all included hikes on this tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Italy for this tour?
The best time to travel to Italy for this tour is June through September when the weather in the mountains tends to be the warmest.
Why book with 10 Adventures?
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